Poker Blog and Poker Gossip

Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas recently announced the launch of their new poker room (or “poker lounge” as they prefer to call it). As the newest poker lounge in Las Vegas, they will definitely redefine what a poker room is for local pros and tourists.

If you have ever been to the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, you will know that it is probably one of the best party places in town. It is a favorite hangout for celebrities and is constantly featured in hot TV show’s like Entourage. The party never stops at the Hard Rock, which is indicated in the slogan above the doors: “If this house is rockin’, don’t bother knockin… Come on in!”.

Since the average age of poker players has dropped significantly from old men like Doyle Brunson to new young phenomenoms like 18-year old (I think he turned 19 the other day actually) Mike MacDonald, poker players have become more of a partying crowd. The younger generation busts there ass all day at the poker tables and hits the clubs at night, often finding themselves in trouble at the poker table the following day.

The Hard Rock understands the new generation of poker players, and has made a $30 Million investment to cater to them. The 7500 sq ft poker room features things like ipod docks, cushy and spacious tables, semi-private VIP rooms, bottle service, buffet service and much more. All in an effort to let the party that usually happens after the poker game, enter the poker room. By doing this, they will easily become the coolest poker room in Vegas overnight.

Here are some pics of the new poker lounge:

Last week they had a star-studded launch for the poker room. Here is a video of some of the players being interviewed on their thoughts of the new room:

Vegas is the poker capital of the world, and with the money that flows through the casinos you would expect some pretty nice poker rooms. Here are some of the best looking poker rooms in vegas:

Top 5 Vegas Poker Rooms

1) Bellagio
Every poker player dreams at some point of playing in the big games at the Bellagio.  Bobby’s Room is the poker room in the Bellagio where some of the biggest poker games in the world happen.


2) MGM Casino
The MGM is known for hosting all the biggest boxing fights in Vegas through the 80’s and 90’s.  They have spent quite a lot of money on their poker room, and it has one of the nicest, modern looks of all the poker rooms in Vegas.  The nice thing about the MGM is they offer much more affordable games, so you don’t have to break the bank to play here.

3) The Wynn
Steve Wynn spent $630 Million dollars to build the Wynn Hotel, and some of this price definitely went into their poker room.  The Wynn is one of the nicest hotel’s in Vegas and if you are looking to play some higher stakes poker, check out their poker room:

4) Red Rock Casino
The Red Rock is a little off-strip, but is one of the nicest looking hotel/casino’s in Vegas.  Their poker room is ultra-modern and is definitely worthy of a top 5 position.   Since it is right beside the sportsbook, you can also place bets on the games while playing poker:

5) The Venetian
If you are heading to vegas and aren’t strapped for cash, the Venetian hotel has some of the nicest and biggest rooms in town.  Their poker room is also lavishly decorated with TVs everywhere, and nice chandeliers.

When you’re looking for a change of pace, a venue away from the online tables that is still rife with competition, high stakes and even higher pots, you don’t go just anywhere. If you’re in the West, you head for Las Vegas, and if you’re in the East, you go to Atlantic City, a seashore town riddled with bright lights, eager players and big-name casinos - casinos that, over the years, have developed quite lofty reputations; you and all other gamblers have come to expect great things from them. Fortunately, one almost always delivers; this time it’s the Borgata.

The Borgata will be holding a Deep Stack Poker Tournament May 4th through May 6th with a $500,000 guarantee. It will be the largest guaranteed tournament in not just the casino’s but the city’s history, and buying in will cost you only $2,150, including the entrance fee. There will be three qualifying events on April 27th, May 2nd and May 3rd. The first will be a $250 + $35 event in which one in every 10 players will win a voucher for the tournament. The second two will be $430 + $50 events in which one in every five will qualify to play.
The tournament and hands leading up to it are sure to be events that you don’t want to miss. For online reservations visit theborgata.com between April 14th and April 25th (if I were you, I’d make it as close to April 14th as possible), and then, prepare to be a part of history as the Borgata puts $500,000 on the table.

Recently the MGM Grand Macao saw a rich reward from opening their doors on the island of Macau. Opening on December 18th, they found that by December 10th they had generated more than 6.6 million USD. Not a bad start for any casino online or brick and mortar. They are just topping off the already incredible revenue being generated by the gambling destination in Asia. For 2007 they are anticipated to surpass last years revenue generation with a record 10 billion USD, by the 31st of December. What an impressive statement.

You may wonder why it is impressive…

The current capitol of the gambling and gaming world, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA typically generates just more than 8 billion USD, annually. They were surpassed by total gaming revenue now 2 years in a row.  Where will this leave the gaming capital that has held that position for so many years running? Only time will tell if they can design an incentive program or series of programs that will maximize their popularity, and improve on their status, before Macau takes over the title.

WagerWorks has announced a new starting jackpot for their progressive slots. The newest addition to the online progressive slot machine family is the Mega Jackpot slots, designed by WagerWorks, starts out at 1.5 million GBP. (3,111,628.10 USD) This is the highest starting payout for any progressive slots machine online today.

WagerWorks has released the MegaJackpots progressive slot game to the WagerWorks RGS system and they have also made it available to any WagerWorks Serviced sites. Any casino part of either network will have the opportunity to supply the new game to their online progressive slots customers.

With the MegaJackpots progressive slots game you will need to play the maximum bet, and land 5 symbols on the same center winning pay line.

Two well-known software competitors of WagerWorks, Cryptlogic and MicroGaming have both designed games that can build to the starting value of the Megajackpot game. Neither have designed or released any form of progressive slots game that has a beginning jackpot near the starting jackpot for MegaJackpots by WagerWorks.

“We have seen the online arena grow and grow over the last few years and feel the time is right to introduce MegaJackpots,” said Commercial Director of WagerWorks, Tom Kenny, in a press release regarding the new online slots game.

With many new gambling cities opening up in the Asian Pacific Region, most recently the mecca of Macau, much of the international market is adjusting focus and locations. The decrease of the international Asian Gambling market has drawn the casinos to focus their attention onto the Asian American population. The Asian market is changing the face of gambling casinos across the country. This fact is showcased in Atlantic City, as many of the casinos are moving to vie for the market.

Some casinos are focusing efforts on the market by increasing bussing traffic and group packages to and from Asian focused neighborhoods, like New York City’s China Town. The Bussing begins at or just after some of the businesses close for the night, allowing the riders to make it to the concerts that are being held at 1am on many nights.

As the slots machines revenue continues to dwindle with the growth of slots parlors in neighboring states. The Asian revenue, which makes up about 15% of the table game income, is becoming more vital to the growth of land casinos across the United States. Many casinos are keeping this in mind while they are increasing their Asian Influence table games, such as Pai Gow Poker, and mini baccarat. Additionally many of the Atlantic City Casinos are bringing in consultants to assure there is effective customer service for the Asian gambling market. Many times when they are anticipating a higher than usual draw into the Asian Market the casinos will also require those who are on staff that speak any Asian language be working that night. Those who are not Asian and work for the casinos will have to undergo social training for participation with the focus group.

Why else do the land casinos want to draw the Asian American Gambler into their doors? According to a number of published reports, Asian Americans tend to be well educated business owners, who enjoy playing games from home, and are willing to spend a little more. Watch this carry through, even with the competitive poker professionals.